British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has no plans to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite suggestions from French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. A Downing Street spokesperson made the announcement on Friday.
“The Prime Minister does not intend to engage in direct talks with President Putin. His objective is clearly to support Ukraine in achieving a just and sustainable peace, while keeping the country in the strongest possible position to continue its defense and take steps toward peace negotiations,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that President Putin has so far shown no signs of wanting to end the war in Ukraine.
The UK government also emphasized that it remains in regular contact with the Russian government, particularly through its embassy in Moscow.
